World Wildlife Day 2026: Malavika Mohanan Says She Finds Wildlife Photography and Forests 'Meditative'

Malavika Mohanan, known for moving between intense dramas and commercial entertainers, has shared a different side of life away from camera sets. The actor spoke about finding calm in forests and through photography, describing this quiet practice as a personal refuge from hectic film shoots and the fast rhythm of city living.

Over the years, Malavika has pieced together a varied film career across language industries. The journey runs from Malayalam debut Pattam Pole to the internationally recognised Beyond the Clouds. Mainstream titles like Master, Maaran, and Christy added mass appeal, while also reinforcing Malavika’s interest in both content-led films and larger-scale projects.

Malavika Mohanan photography and nature retreat from cinema

Her choices have highlighted different moods on screen, including romance, emotional drama, and action. Each project has underlined a fresh aspect of Malavika’s screen image, suggesting steady reinvention. This willingness to try varied roles has also meant regular time on crowded sets, something that contrasts sharply with the solitude Malavika now seeks between schedules.

Malavika described how another creative outlet quietly took shape alongside this work graph. "Photography started as a very personal journey in 2019. When I'm working on sets, I'm around 300 to 400 people on average. So whenever I get time off, it is meditative to go into a forest; no people, just calm," she shared.

Malavika Mohanan photography and nature escape supports cinema career

Malavika linked this need for stillness to life in Mumbai, which Malavika described as fast and demanding. Long stretches in traffic, meetings, and shooting schedules make disconnecting vital. Forest visits and time with wildlife allow Malavika to step away from constant noise, slow down thoughts, and regain creative energy before returning to film sets.

The actor also reflected on the effect nature has on emotional wellbeing and stability. Malavika said, "The more I grow up, the more I realise how crucial that connection is. It impacts your mental health and your overall balance." This personal insight sits alongside a busy slate, with Malavika filming Pocket Novel with Vijay Sethupathi and Sardar 2 with Karthi.

These upcoming titles add further variety to Malavika’s line-up, extending an already diverse filmography across regions and genres. Yet Malavika continues to treat forests and photography as a kind of anchor, keeping perspective steady amid lights, applause, and hectic schedules, and offering quiet moments that help sustain both work and life.